In 2017, I was nominated by the Peterborough District Soccer Referee Coordinator, Michael Smith, to officiate in the North American Indigenous Games.
I had no idea that tournament would eventually spur opportunities to referee across Ontario, in League1, and ultimately to travel to Edmonton last November to referee in the women’s National College Athletic Association Soccer Championships.
As a female from a small city, it feels pretty amazing to have represented Ontario Soccer at a number of these events.
But none of this happened overnight.
Just like athletes, match officials train, participate in group instruction, get feedback from assessors and mentors, and watch clips to improve their skills. Without a gentle push from the Peterborough soccer community, I don’t know I would have ever had the confidence to discover my officiating goals and run towards them instead of running away.